Weekend Roundup

Find the best Orange County things to do this weekend

queens-galleryEXHIBITS

The Queen’s Gallery
Through Jan. 8.  Travel 150 years into the past and experience the splendor and grandeur of England’s Victorian era at Muzeo’s exhibit The Queen’s Gallery. The exhibit features paintings, decorative arts, rare books, weapons and other historic artifacts from the private collection of Dr. Howard and Linda Kohl. View over 60 paintings by leading Victorian artists including James Sant, official portrait artist of Queen Victoria, Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema, Edward Burne-Jones and William Powell Frith. The collection examines the close relationship between art and literature by displaying marvelous paintings next to poems and stories which inspired them.  241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.956.8936. www.muzeo.org

steve-tyrellMUSIC
Steve Tyrell
Jan. 5-8. Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Steve Tyrell returns to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts to perform his soulful songs and other popular jazz standards as part of the Center’s Cabaret Series. His breakthrough performances in Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride II exposed the world to a smooth voice reminiscent of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Sameueli Theater, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. www.scfta.org

marino-f-pianoMarino Formenti
Jan. 7. Italian pianist/conductor Marino Formenti enchants audiences around the world with his thrilling interpretations of modern and contemporary music as well as beloved classical pieces. He has appeared at the international festivals of Salzburg, Lucerne, Edinburgh, Schleswig-Holstein, Ravinia and Aspen as well as the famous concert halls of sophisticated cities Europe, Asia and North America. Formenti performs Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations and George Benjamin’s Shadowlines among other works at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. www.scfta.org

south-coast-repertoryTHEATER
Topdog/Underdog
Jan. 8-29. African American brothers, Lincoln and Booth, deal with the effects of their hustler lifestyle—women, work, poverty, gambling and racism—as they use their bravado to con their way through the streets. This darkly funny drama references the brothers’ troubled upbringing which left deep wounds that Lincoln and Booth struggle to heal. The play, written by Suzan-Lori Parks, received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2002. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. www.scr.org

chachas-brunch-breaDINING
Sunday Brunch at Cha Cha’s
Jan. 9. Located in Downtown Brea, one of North Orange County’s premier dining and entertainment districts, Cha Cha’s invites you to enjoy a delicious champagne brunch set to the melodies of Sombra Quieta, a Latin band who fuses traditional Rumba Flamenca with South American musical influences to create a unique sound all their own. Brunch dishes include chorizo scramble soufflé and carne asada con huevos. 110 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.255.1040. www.chachasbrea.com

costa-mesa-restaurant-weekCalifornia Restaurant Month: Participating Costa Mesa Restaurants
Jan. 1-31. This January, 18 restaurants throughout Costa Mesa will participate in California Restaurant Month to provide an opportunity for diners to experience some of the best wine and food the city has to offer at a discounted cost. Over 30 destinations across California are hosting restaurant weeks for the Golden State’s visitors. Costa Mesa favorites such as  Mastro’s Steakhouse, Charlie Palmer and Nello Cucina are just a few of the participating venues. www.dinecostamesa.com

john-wooden-classicSPORTS
John R. Wooden Classic
Jan. 5. Since 1994, collegiate basketball teams have played in the John R. Wooden Classic, which pays tribute to the legendary UCLA former coach who passed away in the summer of 2010 at the age of 99. Wooden was known as the “Wizard of Westwood” and successfully led the Bruins to 10 NCAA national championship victories in a period of 12 years. This weekend, the UCLA Bruins will take on the Arizona Wildcats in the annual Wooden Classic at the Honda Center. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. 714.704.2500. www.hondacenter.com

ducks-islandersAnaheim Ducks
Jan. 6 & 8. The Anaheim Ducks battle it out on the ice against the New York Islanders this Friday before competing against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. 714.704.2500. www.hondacenter.com

dana-wharf-whalewatchingACTIVITIES
Whale Watching
Ongoing. Every winter, the great gray whales migrate along the western coast of North America from the tip of Baja California all the way up to the waters of Alaska. This year is off to a great start as gray whales were spotted off the coast of Orange County as early as November 26. Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching embarks on whale watching trips daily in search of mothers and their calves, recently born in Mexico’s warm waters, making the 16,000 mile-northbound journey. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com

harland-williamsCOMEDY
Harland Williams
Jan. 5-8. Best-known for his memorable roles in films such as Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary and Rocketman, comedian and actor Harland Williams brings his outlandish standup routine to the Irvine Improv. Williams’ sharp, witty and unpredictable humor will make for an evening of nonstop laughs for the audience. 71 Fortune Dr., Irvine, 949.854.5455. www.improv.com

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